January 30, 2015

It's such a great time to spend some time together (and poor hubby needed a break from work) and we try and do some fun things while we are on the mainland.

This year (and last year) we went to Mosaic - it's a church on Hollywood Blvd. and we listen to their podcast so it's so fun to go for a Sunday and hear Hank or Erwin live. We got a great airbnb up in Hollywood Hills and it had a gorgeous view.

Then we headed out to Murrieta and were there for four days - I of course was on yelp scouting eating locations - lol - and I had been following an amazing place on Instagram that is in Temecula and we ended up going there twice. Eat Marketplace - so, so good. I highly recommend it if you are in the area - they even have kombucha on tap - mmmm!

We had a wonderful time at the conference and have made some great friends there. On Thursday we headed back to LAX and flew to San Francisco for the night. I had been before but it was hubby's first time. We stayed right near Union Square - I don't know if us country folk were prepared for the big city. Ha ha!

We had so much fun though - walked for hours on Thursday night. Had dinner at Naked Lunch which was really good and then walked down to the Ferry Building and all around.

The next morning we got coffee at Blue Bottle, rode the cable car, walked some more, and then met Amanda for lunch at the Ferry Building.

I was so excited to finally meet her after knowing her online for forever!! We had lunch at one of the cute cafes there and then walked all around checking out all the goodies. Wish I had had more time to cruise around - got the BEST cookies of my life from Miette. Oh my goodness - their gingersnaps are amazing.

Then we rented a car to drive up to Redding and stay with my brother-in-law for a few days. But before we left San Francisco we drove around Golden Gate park and went to the Sutro Baths. So pretty - I love how different the beaches are on the Pacific Coast compared to Hawaii.

I actually got to catch up with TWO long-time online/Flickr friends and they both happened to be named Amanda. Ha ha!

We met up with mrsmcporkchop and her wonderful hubby on the way up to Redding and had such a fun time at dinner with them. I'm so thankful for both these ladies and their long-time friendship (and for driving out of their way to meet up with me) - love you ladies!!

Our visit to Redding was wonderful too. It had been a few years since we saw my brother-in-law and his family and I know Hubby really loved spending time with his brother.

We got to go snow-tubing up on Mount Shasta - it was SO fun!! It was only the second time I'd ever been in snow!

Redding is such a pretty town - loved the sundial bridge. Next time we will have to bring the kids.

We really packed a lot into our trip but it never felt rushed or jam-packed. It was so fun hanging out with friends and family and just seeing new places.

January 29, 2015

If you follow me on Instagram you know I haven't taken a break - I tend to OVERgram there. Just wish that would translate to blogging as well.

I do know there are people in the world NOT on Instagram - ha ha! I just take most of my photos lately with my phone so it's so easy to post them there. We do have plans to upgrade our camera soon so you might see more blog posts again! I still love this space so it's not going anywhere.

So what should I share first?! What I've been making these last few months?

November 25, 2014

Adorable blocks! I'm a fan of paper piecing as it's much more accurate for me. Thanks for the giveaway!

and

Pauline said...

I have been wanting to try paper piecing for a very long time but somehow I have not found the courage. I guess I am afraid to fail - although I have always managed to do whatever I set my mind to - so far. I know I should try a simple thing first and that is my 2015 resolution - I will start paper piecing in 2015.

Congrats! I'm sending you both an email!

I had my only craft fair of the season this past Saturday - it went well but I do have goodies left.

I added them to the shop yesterday in case anyone wants to hop over and take a peek.

I'm also working on a Sewtopia blog post for tomorrow with a fun giveaway for you all. Stay tuned for that!

Hope everyone is enjoying this time of year.

The news is pretty crazy these days and I'm trying to remember to be extra thankful for all the Lord has blessed us with and to keep sharing that hope and love with others.

I love her use of color and all the fun designs she incorporates into each print.

Here are some thoughts from Bonnie on her inspiration for this line:

i have always noticed the very first butterfly each spring. it has been one of the sweetest sightings for me each year. it means a new season is upon us, warmer weather is on it’s way and fresh blooms will be emerging from the ground. it also evokes this feeling within me of inspiration- like all things are possible. the butterfly’s journey from caterpillar to butterfly is one that i’ll never stop marveling at.

this feeling of spreading one’s great wings and soaring is one that connects with me deeply. a long time ago i decided that i would pursue my dreams no matter what. i would make great sacrifices, journey into the unknown put my heart and soul on the line to live my creative dream. that is what winged is about. spreading your wings and flying into the unknown.

I know it might be cold in some parts right now but maybe seeing these pics will warm you up just a bit!

I used two of the prints from the Winged line - Bird's Peck in Dalia and Mimicry in Hazel.

I paired them both with some soft caramel leather and make a couple of large clutches.

This fabric is feminine but at the same time very modern and is beautiful for so many applications!

I've used it in quilts, little girl skirts and tote bags and zip pouches.

September 03, 2014

I'm always a little behind in picking winners for giveaways. The winner for Melissa's book is:

Ashton McClelland said...

This would be perfect for my home. I consider myself a modern seamstress and I am currently looking for home projects I can refresh my home with! Thank you for the chance at winning this awesome giveaway!

Congratulations! We should have the book emailed to you shortly!

School is in full swing now so I'm grabbing time to sew when I can in the afternoons.

Finished up a baby boy quilt for Tini Manini (a local children's boutique):

August 26, 2014

We finally started school this week.....so no sewing has happened so far. But I did a HUGE meal prep today using this book and I'm hoping it will help with sewing time.

I sewed up this fun Heather Ross charm quilt last week using some older Mendecino and the new Far, Far Away - it's so soft and feels very similar to her older lines. Plus her designs are just the cutest!

A few weeks ago I celebrated my 40th birthday - eek! We had a fun time over on Instagram with a little lip-sync singing challenge.